What is a characteristic of Clostridium tetani under microscopy?

Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus that is well-known for its characteristic morphology under a microscope. One of the key features of this organism is the presence of terminal endospores, which give it a distinctive drumstick or tennis racket appearance. The formation of endospores is a survival mechanism that allows C. tetani to withstand harsh environmental conditions and contributes to its virulence.

This drumstick shape is a direct result of the endospore being located at one end of the bacterial cell. This morphology is significant not only for identification purposes in microbiology but also as part of understanding the organism's biology and pathogenicity. The observation of the characteristic shape and the presence of the endospore is crucial for laboratory identification and differentiating C. tetani from other bacteria.

Understanding this unique microscopic feature helps in diagnosing tetanus and guides appropriate therapeutic interventions.